Key West tradition

Halloween Fantasy Fest is a real scream

This year, Halloween conveniently lands on a Saturday -- so why not spend a couple of days celebrating?

The Last Key puts on one of its biggest celebrations of the year during Fantasy Fest, Oct. 23-Nov. 1. Some events are free, others have fees, some are family-friendly, several are decidedly not.

*Goombay, a Bahamas-themed street fest on Duval and Petronia streets, is Oct. 23-24, and a Royal Coronation Ball will crown the festival king and queen on Oct. 23.

*At the wacky WKEY Pet Masquerade & Parade (Oct. 28), pets dress up as people and people dress as pets. Another costume contest is on Oct. 29 at the Pier House Resort beach, where Pretenders in Paradise traditionally features huge and dazzling entries. Each entrant performs with music and lights.

*On Oct. 30, the Fantasy Fest Street Fair transforms Duval Street into a mile-long marketplace. That evening the Fairvilla Megastore Masquerade March features costumed characters through Old Town, starting at the cemetery.